During the upcoming weeks, Perry will hear motions on the death penalty and change of venue. Because of the costs associated with moving the trial and the likely need to sequester a jury, Perry suggested the trial would be held in Orlando.

"If I decide to sequester the jury, we will go somewhere, we will pick a jury, and they will be returned to Orange County," Perry said.

Anthony chuckled a little bit before the hearing began, but then she sat emotionless. Her parents, George and Cindy Anthony, were just two rows behind her.

Perry kept the trial date slated for May 9, 2011. It's expected to last two months or more, he said.

"We love the knowledge that Judge Perry brings to the bench and the experience he has," Defense Attorney Jose Baez said.

Lawyers on both sides were amiable -- even enjoying a light moment when prosecutor Linda Drane Burdick told the judge she was expected for jury duty.

"You can be excused," Perry said.

Defense attorney Cheney Mason made it clear he was the one behind the effort to have Judge Stan Strickland step down from the case. He had filed a motion objecting to Strickland's comments about the defense team.

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